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Round and round the garden like a…marathon runner on lockdown!

Paul Conlon, Head of Year 11 at Forest Hall School, set himself the mission to complete 20 marathons in 2020.

Before the Coronavirus shutdown, he had completed four marathons, with another 16 planned throughout the year.

With all major events cancelled for the coming months, Mr Conlon is looking at new ways to reach his target – including running a marathon in his back garden.

He said: “After reading about the guy in France running a marathon on his balcony, I thought I could do something similar in my back garden.

“I have measured it out and I need to complete about 2,740 laps of my garden to clock up the 26 miles. I have called it my Teddy Bear Marathon as I’ll be going round and round the garden like a teddy bear!”

To ensure he completes the mileage, Mr Conlon has mapped out a path with garden furniture, plant pots and bricks.

Mr Conlon, a member of Viewtube Runners in Stratford, said: “I am trying to get out for a run once a day during the permitted daily exercise slot. I have completed a midnight marathon, going out late at night to complete the distance over two days’ worth of exercise allowance at once to be able to cover the distance when there were fewer people around.

“One of the problems with running in the garden is the constant turning so I will have to keep changing direction every few kilometres to reduce the impact on my legs.

“I’ve set myself this new challenge and remain determined that I will do it.”

To follow Mr Conlon’s progress or to help him raise funds for St Clare Hospice, visit Just Giving